We Can Train You…. But We Can’t Make You Good!

Let’s talk about training.

As a church AV consultant, I love helping media teams grow. I really do. There’s nothing like seeing a team click—when the sound is clean, the video is smooth, and the service just flows. That’s the goal, right? But here’s something I’ve learned after years of doing this: not every “training request” is really about learning.

Sometimes, let’s be honest, “we need training” is code for “we don’t want to put in the time.”

Now, before you get offended—hear me out. This isn’t about pointing fingers. We’re all busy, I get it. But in today’s world, there’s almost no excuse for staying stuck. There’s YouTube, forums, tutorials, books—you can learn anything if you want to.

Training isn’t magic. I can show you how to run a soundboard, adjust a camera, or stream a service. But I can’t make you want to practice. I can’t make you passionate. That part? That’s on you.

I tell every team: I can train you, but I can’t make you good. Because being “good” at media ministry takes more than just one Saturday workshop. It takes curiosity, effort, and yes—some trial and error.

You don’t become a great sound tech or camera operator by only showing up on Sunday. The key to getting better is practice—taking time outside of service to get hands-on, make mistakes, and figure out how things work when the pressure’s off. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you become, and the smoother everything runs when it really counts.

And here’s something important for pastors and church leaders: if you want a strong media ministry, your team needs opportunities to practice. That means making time available during the week—whether it’s during rehearsals, midweek Bible classes, or even setting up specific times just for training. Volunteers need a chance to learn and experiment in a real service setting, without the weight of Sunday morning on their shoulders. If the only time they touch the equipment is when the sanctuary is full and the livestream is running, it’s hard to expect them to grow.

So if you’re a volunteer reading this, here’s my challenge: take the training seriously, but also take charge of your growth. Dig deeper, ask questions, look stuff up, and practice. Be the person who wants to get better.

Because when you do? That’s when media ministry becomes something more than a task—it becomes part of your worship.

With Love,

D. Jarrett

Wired For Worship